​“THEY’RE heavy!”This was the rejection I received as an outdoor enthusiast and aspiring mountaineer when I once suggested to include potatoes in a soup dish for a dinner at camp.

But had I known by then how potatoes could provide enough nutrition to pump up the hike’s next leg, I would have insisted—like Princess Sarah always does for her “patatas.”

Meme aside, potatoes are indeed every mountaineer’s wonder trail food. And if you still think they’re heavy, it’s because potatoes pack tons of nutritional value! Here’s why you should carry potatoes on your next climb:

1. Potatoes are superfood!Potatoes, particularly US potatoes, are already classified as superfood, a nutrient-dense food that can help fuel huge exertions from physical exercise and movement. Potatoes are high in potassium, even more so than a banana, and are also full of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron and magnesium.

So eat potatoes before a climb or hike and you’re sure to get all the nutrients you need so you start healthy and strong.

2. Fat-free tooPotates are also fat-free, sodium-free and gluten-free with as little as 110 calories per medium-sized serving.

With a little creativity too, potatoes can become dishes that go beyond the canned, convenience food usually consumed by hikers and mountaineers outdoors.

Versatile Mushy. A dish prepared by a UP mountaineer that proves potatoes can be enjoyed by hikers and mountaineers can enjoy outdoors. Photo from Potatoes USA

3. Perfect for recoveryAfter strenuous activities like climbing a sheer rock face or rappelling down one, any mountaineer will need an energy boost. Sports drinks or sweet snacks are popular choices. But properly prepared recovery food made of potatoes can be the better alternative.

These spuds are naturally healthy, prepared without the huge doses of toxic cooking oils or heavy layers of salt, cheeses and creams.

4. Of high qualityAnd when it comes to quality, you won’t go wrong with US potatoes, which are now in the country thanks to Potatoes USA-Philippines, the organization tasked with making these particular taters known.

Dedicated growers in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture help ensure that only the best potatoes are selected and processed. The result, US-frozen, table stock and dehydrated potatoes, which ready for different recipes—even those for trail and camp food.

Even UP Mountaineers (UPM) affirmed this as they challenged mountain-climbing cooks to prepare the most nutritious and delicious dish featuring the US potatoes. Dubbed UPM Kalawang Chef, the challenge dared participants to raise the bar in their outdoor cookery.

Edsel Segovia, a national strength and conditioning certified personal trainer, also gave his insight on fitness and proper nutrition at the event. Mountaineers and their guests later learned more about Potatoes USA.

Convinced about how potatoes can help you reach the top? Keep a stash ready on your next climb, trek or hike!